expert group on human health and well-being forests for human … · 2019-04-24 · expert group on...

Expert Group on Human Health and Well-being

Forests for Human Health: Challengesand Opportunities

Mr. Gorka Altuna / Union of Foresters of Southern Europe (USSE) Mr. Alex Gesse / Instituto de Baños de Bosque European Forest Therapy Institute (EFTI)

BASOAN ProjectProject approved by Basque Government in the call for measure M16. Cooperationof the basque RDP in 2017: “Forest Bathing establishment and dinamization inBiosphere Reserve of Urdaibai”.

BASOAN Project

CHALLENGES:1. Multifunctional forests based on SFM.

Other monetary incomes for private forestowners, in addition to timber harvesting.

2. Measuring Forest Bathing impact onusers: emotional well-being andinterpersonal relationships (life qualityevaluation).

3. Communication to society:1. Managing (SFM) benefits. Private

owner’s managing activityvalorization.

2. Ecosystem Services payment.3. Involving Public Health Department.

BASOAN Project

• Lifetime: 18 months (finishing 30 of june 2019).• Budjet: 99.934€ (100% FEADER and BG funded).• Partnership:

• Collaboration with:

BASOAN Project

• Aim: To offer forest bathing walks for human health and well-being promotion, moving them to a specific intervention.

• Target group: The project in a first stage is focused on peoplewith mental illness. 3 groups (25 people from AVIFES).

• Activity: Forest Bathing walk series. Once a week, 2 hours, 3months.

• Needs:– Specifically trained forest bathing guide*.– “Well” designed forest trail.– Signposting and equipment for a public use.– Transportation.– Models to measure Forest Bathing impact on users.

BASOAN Project

Preliminary Results (I):

• General trend towards an increase inoxygen saturation, a decrease inblood pressure and a decrease inheart rate after forest bathing (not asa scientific research).

• Psychological evaluation (life qualitymodel analysis), positive trends:overcome barriers such as panic tophysical contact, refusal to socialize,refusal to participate in groupactivities, refusal to leave home, ...

BASOAN Project

Preliminary Results (II):

• Significant improvement in the maintenanceof a favourable mood and in the regulation ofanxiety and stress.

• The symptomatology of mental illnessimproves, especially that related to reluctanceand demotivation.

• Greater impact on people suffering frommood disorders: depression, bipolar illness, ...

• In both genders the results have been positive,although in women the benefit has beengreater.

BASOAN Project

• Collaboration:– Adapted Forest Trail– Trained Forest Bathing Guide: working with specific populations.– Knowing the Participants: Specific purpose.– Feedback Culture: Improving the process.

BASOAN ProjectRelevance of guidance and collaboration with health and social professionals

BASOAN Project

Mr. Gorka Altunawww.usse-eu.orgemail: galtuna@usse-eu.org

Mr. Alex Gessewww.institutodebañosdebosque.comemail: alex@institutodebanosdebosque.com

Thankyou!

Eskerrikasko!

Moltesgracies!